Things appear to be picking up pace for Celtic in the summer transfer window. The club got deals done for Odin Thiago Holm and Marco Tilio early. And after a slow few days, now it looks like they are closing in on a double announcement. It is believed that they have gotten a deal over the line with Gangwon FC for Yang Hyun-jun already and another South Korean youth international looks set to join him in Glasgow.
The player in question is none other than Kwon Hyeok-kyu of Busan IPark. The defensive midfielder has been linked with Celtic for a long time.
In fact, it is believed that the Hoops made an offer to sign him in the winter transfer window but a move failed to transpire back then. Now though, it looks like the South Korean midfielder is on his way to Glasgow.
Kwon pretty much confirmed the move. As reported by The National, he said:
"“This is a dream come true for me.“I used to watch Ki Sung-Yueng as a kid when he was at Celtic. He was an amazing player. As a child, I looked up to him and admired him.“So it’s a great feeling to go there too.“But I feel sorry for my club Busan IPark because I would have liked to have get a win for them before I moved.“My last match for them didn’t go well and I’m sorry that I couldn’t show my fans a good performance to say goodbye.“I know it won’t be easy in Europe and I have heard it isn’t simple living abroad either.“But I am determined I will be a better player.“I think I have grown as a defensive midfielder and I think Celtic must have liked what they saw when they watched me because I have done not too badly in that position.”"
Midfielder confirms he is set to join Celtic this summer
Kwon is one of the most highly-rated talents in South Korean football even though he might be playing in the second division there. The 22-year-old has earned comparisons with Manchester City superstar, Rodri, for his style of play.
If Kwon is anywhere near as good as Rodri, then Celtic would have pulled off one of the biggest masterstrokes in the club’s history. Rumours have suggested that the transfer fee is going to be around €1 million, which is certainly a risk worth taking for a player with his potential.
Defensive midfield is an area where the club have struggled to find a player in for a few years now. Perhaps it did not suit the style of football that they were playing under the management of Ange Postecoglou. Things could be different now that Brendan Rodgers is in the hot seat.